Maryland Bedtime Booklist: Stories for Little Ones by Local Authors

For many children, bedtime is a magical experience filled with laughter, imagination, and snuggles. Stories are a great way to help children fall asleep and create memories with their parents. The following book list highlights Maryland with a variety of stories written by local authors.

B IS FOR BLUE CRAB: A MARYLAND ALPHABET BY SHIRLEY C. MENENDEZ

Maryland is home to the largest estuary in the United States, the Chesapeake Bay. As you traverse through this book, you’ll discover noteworthy residents, Maryland’s historic sites, and other qualities that make this state so unique. This is a great beginner’s book for children ages 6 to 8.

JORDAN THE JELLYFISH BY CINDY FRELAND

Follow Jordan the Jellyfish on her aquatic journey from Sandy Point back to Mayo Beach. As Jordan ventures to find her way back home, she encounters several experiences that require bravery and courage, but most of all the ability to form friendships with a few unlikely characters. This book is perfect for ages 6 to 10.

CHADWICK THE CRAB BY PRISCILLA CUMMINGS

Our story follows Chadwick as he uses the help of his friends to travel away from his home in the Chesapeake Bay to a new home in the Baltimore Aquarium. Follow this bold and courageous crustacean as he discovers life outside his comfort zone. This book is great for children ages 6 to 8.

I LOVE MY DADDY BY JUANITA BANKS-WHITTINGTON

Juanita Banks-Whittington is an award-winning children’s book author in Odenton, Maryland. Her story highlights that families can come in all shapes and sizes, but building precious memories often lasts a lifetime. Fathers are often their daughters’ first love. From playing in the park to reading bedtime stories, the beautiful illustrations in this book capture some of the special moments in a father-daughter relationship. This book is excellent for children ages 0 to 5.

I LOVE YOU EVEN WHEN YOU’RE CRABBY BY SANDRA MAGSAMEN

As a Baltimore native, Sandra created the ‘Made With Love’ book series to remind little ones they are always loved. Whether they are feeling happy, sad, upset, or crabby, the unconditional love that surrounds them never goes away. If you’re looking for a book with a well-written rhyme scheme and a great message, this book is perfect for children ages 2 to 4.

Visit a local bookstore like Park Books, Old Fox Books, or Wyrd Bookstore to purchase these stories and more!